Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Taver Johnson’s duties as associate head coach were not clearly defined when he was added to the Arkansas coaching staff in January. Johnson said it was a title that intrigued him and enticed him enough to leave Ohio State and take a job with the Razorbacks.

Outside of the title Johnson, 36, wasn’t sure at the time what his position would entail. Perhaps additional administrative responsibilities, Johnson said.

Today? Johnson, the newest member of the Arkansas staff, has been placed in charge of the program while Coach Bobby Petrino is on paid administrative leave. Athletic Director Jeff Long announced Johnson would assume control of Razorback football after announcing Petrino was on leave pending an investigation into the head coach’s relationship with a female employee and a recent motorcycle wreck that involved her.

It’s a much quicker ascent and far greater responsibilities than Johnson seemed to expect at the time he was hired.

“I think [position responsibilities are] something that Coach Petrino and I still have to discuss,” Johnson said in January. “We didn't really get into any detail about that. Obviously that's something that's going to be up to his discretion. Whatever it is that coach decides to put on me, I'm ready for it. I'm excited about it, for sure.”

Johnson, who stood out in early spring practices for his backwards cap and youthful enthusiasm, took it a step further at his hiring press conference. He acknowledged the idea of being a head coach hadn’t popped into his head until Petrino “sparked an interest in me.”

Prior to joining the Arkansas staff Johnson worked at Ohio State for fives seasons. Johnson, a Cincinnati native, worked as a defensive coordinator/assistant head coach at Miami (Ohio) from 2005-06 and spent a season as special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns .

Petrino praised Johnson — mistaken by some practice observers as a graduate assistant — for his energy in a pre-spring press conference.

“It’ll be fun to watch Taver Johnson coach and the enthusiasm and excitement he brings to the table,” Petrino said.